One key distinctive of the Trinity Western educational experience is the opportunity for students to cultivate their Christian faith and spiritual life. TWU offers a variety of resources for students to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, develop biblical literacy, mature within a supportive community, and learn to serve others well.
This year, TWU welcomes Rev. Dr. Ed Gerber as the new University Chaplain and Director of Student Ministries. Rev. Gerber brings over 20 years of experience in pastoral leadership and a deep desire to support God’s work among students.
It was a love for students, faculty, and academics that drew Rev. Dr. Ed Gerber to Trinity Western University.
Speaking on what drives him, Rev. Gerber expresses, “I am motivated to bring joy and community and understanding. I love communicating the Gospel and God’s Truth in such a way that the lights go on and transformation by the Spirit of God happens on the spot.”
“I am motivated to dig and understand the deeper things too, integrating faith into all aspects of life,” he continues.
Having joined TWU in August, Rev. Gerber is thrilled to serve at a Christian university in Canada that welcomes students from every background, and that has a vision and mission to equip students for life.
Irresistible life calling
Ed completed graduate theological education at Regent College in Vancouver and at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and he achieved a PhD in Biblical Studies from the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David. Born and raised in New Westminster, B.C., Rev. Gerber has served in professional pastoral ministry in Canada and the U.S.
Reflecting on his calling into ministry, Rev. Gerber describes his life’s work as “something I couldn’t not do.”
“It was an act of joyful obedience, a response to wooing, a heeding of the whispering voice of the Good Shepherd who transformed my heart,” he said. His own sense of being called into ministry was echoed by trusted friends and family who affirmed his gifts, and by the churches who reached out with invitations to serve in their midst.
Words of encouragement for the new semester
Rev. Gerber wishes to encourage the students and faculty who are gearing up for a new semester this fall.
“We live in hope," he begins. "I believe in Jesus, who was crucified for our sin and physically rose from the grave. I believe that Jesus’ resurrection signals the dawn of a new creation, the complete cleansing and reminting of this world.”
“In God’s timing, all things will be made completely new. As the acorn to the oak tree. Those in Him will rise like Him. Our healing will be complete; all conflict will cease. Until that time, we can live with confidence that what God the Father has begun in Christ by the Spirit will be brought to completion. Thus, though we struggle and have sorrow now, we may have the joy of meaning, and the joy of anticipation. For the tough things now will pass, and will be no more, and God will be all in all. And what is more: he has not left us as orphans, but walks with us and goes before us even now.”
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.